And so another application for the k-dron has been found. Discovered in 1985 by Janusz Kapusta, this eleven-sided spatial form is unusual. Two k-drones can be composed into a regular cube. We can say that the k-dron was born by a complex division of a cube or by the act of releasing the crystal-like form hidden inside. The composition of its walls results in unique optical and acoustical properties of k-drones combinations, therefore it is used for designing the shape of a surface in architecture. It has also been applied in creating games and toys. Now Małgorzata Szymankiewicz proposes yet another application, that the inventor hasn’t dreamt of. In her project, the k-dron becomes a tool of paradoxical activity that we could call ‚a geometric sense of comfort‘.

The artist designs forms starting with the block discovered by Janusz Kapusta, covering them with upholstery fabrics with characteristic patterns, widely used for couches‘ and armchairs‘ production in the late 80’s and early 90’s in Poland. Perhaps this combination is provoked by association of the k-dron’s shape with furniture serving for relaxation. Regardless of its source, it is a surprising combination of a complex and sophisticated geometry with a material manifestation of a simple, boorish not to say, and completely unsophisticated taste, that determined the look of residential interiors in Poland in the last decade of the previous century.

The geometrization of a sense of comfort caused by the artist, found by people using such furniture, questions the possiblity of feeling comfortable surrounded by such repulsive things, on the other hand it constitutes an affirmation of this phase of taste history in Poland. In this case, the geometrization makes extremely unsightly things better looking. The ugliness is not transformed into beauty, but it becomes an element of a sophisticated game. And in a paradoxical way this game gives an aesthetic dimension to these items. Although the taste should not be discussed, it can be symbolically analized.

curator: Kamil Kuskowsko, cooperation: Jarosław Lubiak

Actual Art Zona / Zona Sztuki Aktualnej
Tymienieckiego 3, Łódź
www.zona-art.pl